Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Sale $19.99

93 pts Vinous 

So what’s different here? Well… not much… I mean, the difference is subtle… which is the point… You see, there really is nothing subtle about the ever-popular Kiwi Sauv Blancs. They are full-throttle, highly extracted, super intense, ultra-concentrated explosions of fruit, acid and sugar. Yeah… I said it. Sugar. The acidity “masks” it, but many of your favorite bottles have as much as 6 grams per liter of residual sugar. It’s okay. I like it too! It’s part of what makes the wines so enjoyable, and such a great match with spicier food.

But what if we dialed that back a bit? Cut the sugar in half… drop the alcohol content a point or two… do we simply end up with a New Zealand Sauv Blanc that tastes like Loire?

Nope. And that is what makes this bottling so different, and delicious! All of the wild tropical flavors are still packed in here, and the wine is still intense… yet it is elegant and refined. The wine is so very familiar… and yet… ahh… more “elevated”, “refined” and refreshing. Think lighter fish dishes, neatly accompanied with fresh herbs or a fruit salsa. Or as an aperitif with tomatoes and mozzarella. Yum!

“The Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc comes from a terrace a few kilometers outside of Martinborough township. This area is higher, more exposed and marginally cooler than the vineyards in town, which brings even greater risks but greater rewards for its makers. This example has lovely sinew, offering tension and precision from start to finish, and providing purpose and long length. There are subtle steely aromas that sit in the green and citrus spectrum rather than overt tropical fruit; expect honeydew melon, grass, beeswax and lemon flavors. Very nicely done." VM


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.